Northwestern fans saw last season what an impact defensive end can do for a team, when sophomore Corey Wootton had a breakout year. Now, the Wildcats are looking at another tall, athletic end in Novi (MI) prospect Tyler Hoover.

Hoover, like Wootton, is 6-foot-7 and can move very fluidly for his size. But at this point in his career, he may be further along than Wootton was. He is already on Rivals250 to watch list for the Class of 2008, and has offers from Duke, Michigan State, Northwestern, Purdue and Vanderbilt.